Ever wondered what all those sweet energy drinks, gels and bars are doing to your teeth? When you’re out on a long run they are pretty much your entire diet in order to keep going. In the current edition of Trail Running magazine there is an article about the risks of tooth decay from these ‘foods’. Don’t go thinking that you’re OK if you only rely of fruit or other ‘natural’ foods, dried fruits are packed with sugars. Regular rinsing with plain water is probably the best thing you can do during a race to try, it will help to keep your mouth moist and thereby reduce acidity build up. Plus you should try to consume foods that contain less sticky ingredients that might stick to your gums and teeth.

..energy gels are preferable over gooey energy bars. Fresh fruit is a better choice than dried fruit, and you’re better off with a chocolate bar than a caramel candy bar. Baked starches, such as pretzels and crackers, form a carbohydrate-rich paste in your mouth that lingers on your teeth, so be sure to wash it down with water. Other teeth-friendly snacks for trail runs nuts, popcorn, reduced-fat cheese, hard-boiled eggs and fresh vegetables.

The article also talks about using a mouth wash periodically - now there is a new one for the support crew’s equipment box. Still, it is much better to finish with a mouth full of pearly whites than an empty smile!

Moving to the other ‘end’, here is an interesting product I noticed recently. Slik Stik which the makers claimed…

Say goodbye to corns, calluses and blisters with our miracle anti-blister stick. Slik Stik applies a layer of protection against rubbing and friction due to tight or ill fitting shoes.

At only $5, it might just be worth trying.